1984 Schwinn Traveler

[mongo44]

Hello all just ran across the site and signed up. Anyways here is what I got.
I got a 1984 Schwinn traveler that was given to me. Brought it home and checked it real quick. Threw some oil on the chain and took for a quick ride. This was the first time i have ridden in over two years. I know that I need a new saddle, brake pads, tires and tubes. It is ride able right now except for the torn up saddle. Will try and get some pics later on. Not too bad for a freebie.

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I was also wondering if any of you know if I can put a 7 speed cassette on this bike and if so what kind?

[KC-Steve]

Got any pix? Bill can probably tell you a few things about the Traveler. Amazon seems to have some good deals on cassettes and the like. Good luck!

Steve

[nfmisso]

(04-02-2012, 09:48 PM)mongo44 Wrote:  ........
I was also wondering if any of you know if I can put a 7 speed cassette on this bike and if so what kind?

To put a cassette on, you will need to replace the rear wheel.

You can put a 7 speed freewheel on your existing rear wheel, and you will probably need to add a couple washers to provide clearance.

You will probably also have to replace your rear derailleur if you want to be able to access all of the seven gears.

[mongo44]

Thank you that's what I was needing to know. so i can start looking for a 7 speed freewheel vs. cassette.

[nfmisso]

When selecting gears; you need to ask yourself:

* why do I need/want to change from what I have?
* what are the riding conditions? (flat/hilly/windy/etc ???)
* do I really need the extra complication and weight ?

For me; I wanted smaller difference in ratios because my knees do not appreciate big jumps. My rides are rather flat, so closer ratios make sense. Weight is not an issue for me. I currently have Sunrace 13-15-17-19-23-25 freewheels, but if I was to do it over again; I would go with IRD 23730 7sp 13-14-15-17-19-21-24 because the ratio jumps are better.

I have been very disappointed with Shimano 7 speed freewheels.

Once you give us an idea of the above, we can provide further suggestions.

[mongo44]

This is going to be my commuter bike. Mind you it is 25 miles each way. I have some decent hills that I have to climb. But there are also some nice long flats. N.E. Oklahoma does have it's share of wind from time to time. Not sure if this is the info you need to know. My knees are pretty much shot hence why i ride vs run. I am just getting back into biking after a 2 yr lay off from it. so it will be about a month before i try the commute.

With sun tour freewheel on it, here are the gears available.
Chain rings are 40 and 52.
the freewheel is 14,15,17,20,24 & 28

[nfmisso]

With the moderate hills in your area, and your knees; I would suggest the following:

* road triple crankset (requires new BB and new front derailleur) like this:
http://www.amazon.com/Sunlite-Alloy-Triple-Crankset-170x52/dp/B006429C3E/

* new rear derailleur; like this one: http://www.amazon.com/Shimano-RD-M410-Alivio-Derailleur-8-Speed/dp/B00113HAYO/

* new "8 speed" need to match the derailleur.

* IRD 13-24 7 speed freewheel - closer ratios for your knees; while the 30T granny cog up front provides a bailout for really steep hills.

[1FJEF]

(04-03-2012, 05:36 PM)nfmisso Wrote:  I have been very disappointed with Shimano 7 speed freewheels.

What has been the issue with Shimano freewheels, the ratios, quality? I noticed the web site shows the IRD for $50- four times what you can get the Shimano for. Is it that much better? Which removal tool does it use?

[nfmisso]

(04-05-2012, 12:50 AM)1FJEF Wrote:  

(04-03-2012, 05:36 PM)nfmisso Wrote:  I have been very disappointed with Shimano 7 speed freewheels.

What has been the issue with Shimano freewheels, the ratios, quality? I noticed the web site shows the IRD for $50- four times what you can get the Shimano for. Is it that much better? Which removal tool does it use?

Inconsistency in cog spacing; the last two I had, I could set the derailleur to be very smooth and quiet on 6 of the 7 cogs, but not all 7; in one case it was the middle cog was off, on the other it was the 5th. I tend to cruise in the 4th and 5th cogs - so very annoying. Using smaller one down hill and with tail wind, larger (lower numbered) for starting and hills.

Currently my freewheels are Sunrace; no issues. I like IRD's selection of ratios.

Shimano, Sunrace and IRD use the same removal tool.